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The Complete Solution IELTS Writing 2017 PDF
The Complete Solution IELTS Writing 2017 PDF
The Complete Solution IELTS Writing – The Complete Solution IELTS Writing
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This book has been written to provide students who are preparing for the IELTS
exam with a brief summary of how to write a report in the first part and to write an
effective essay in the second part of the IELTS writing section. It helps IELTS learners
have thorough insights into the structure as well as the style necessary to answer a
variety of different types of writing that commonly appear in the exam.
The way this book is organized is quite clear and simple. The general understanding
of the task’s requirements and a common structure used to write every type of essay
in the IELTS writing task 1 & 2 will be primarily presented in order for students to grab
hold of the overall idea of how they should divide their essays into a few key
paragraphs. Then the complete guidance of how to ace each particular type of essay
will instruct students to effectively study for the real exam.
This small guide only acts as a self-studying material and a supplement for students’
IELTS writing courses. Therefore, it is not recommended that students only take this
book, albeit helpful and valuable, as a sole source of preparation. Non-stop effort
and diligence result in success in the real exam!
1
Contents
Foreword.......................................................................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1 .................................................................................................................................................... 5
What you need to know about the IELTS writing task 1 ............................................................................ 5
CHAPTER 3.................................................................................................................................................107
What you need to know about the IELTS writing task 2 ........................................................................ 123
CHAPTER 2.................................................................................................................................................134
CHAPTER 3.................................................................................................................................................145
2
One-sided approach ....................................................................................................................... 156
Balanced approach ........................................................................................................................ 165
One-sided v.s Balanced .................................................................................................................. 170
II. Discussion essay ......................................................................................................................174
III. Advantage & Disadvantage essays ........................................................................................182
IV. Cause & Effect/Solution essays ............................................................................................. 187
V. Direct-question essays ........................................................................................................... 190
CHAPTER 5................................................................................................................................................ 193
3
IELTS WRITING
TASK 1
4
CHAPTER 1
What you need to know about the IELTS writing task 1
5
1. General introduction
- This is the first part of the writing section which makes up one third of the overall
band score.
- Candidates are required to write a report on a given info graphic of at least 150
words or more within suggested 20 minutes.
2. Assessment criteria
Your writing will be assessed on 4 different criteria, each of which is worth 25% of
your total marks for task 1.
GRA
TA CC LR
Grammatical range &
Task achievement Coherence & Cohesion Lexical resource
accuracy
The examiner will check Your organization of Your use of vocabulary, You will get a band score
your information, information, your your spelling and the for your sentence
overview, detail and paragraphing, and your number of mistakes will structures, tenses,
accuracy. use of linking devices will affect your score. control of grammar and
be marked. the number of mistakes.
Band Requirements
6
- (General training) presents a clear purpose, with the tone consistent and appropriate
- Clearly presents and highlights key features/bullet points but could be more fully extended
6.0 - (General) Presents a purpose that is generally clear; there may be inconsistencies in tone
- Presents and adequately highlights key features/bullet points but details may be irrelevant,
inappropriate or inaccurate
- (Academic) Recounts detail mechanically with no clear overview; there may be no data to
support the description
5.0 - (General training) may present a purpose for the letter that is unclear at times; the tone may
be variable and sometimes inappropriate
- Presents, but inadequately covers, key features/bullet points; there may be a tendency to
focus on detail
- Attempts to address the task but does not cover all key features/bullet points; the format
may be inappropriate
- (General training) Fails to clearly explain the purpose of the letter; the tone may be
4.0
inappropriate
- May confuse key features/ bullet points with detail; parts may be unclear, irrelevant,
repetitive or inaccurate
- Fails to address the task, which may have been completely misunderstood
3.0
- Presents limited ideas which may be largely irrelevant/repetitive
7
- CC: Coherence & Cohesion
Band Requirements
- Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression
- Uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be
6.0
faulty or mechanical
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall progression
5.0 - Makes inadequate, inaccurate or over-use of cohesive devices
- Presents information and ideas but these are not arranged coherently and there is no clear
4.0 progression in the response
- Uses some basic cohesive devices but these may be inaccurate or repetitive
8
- LR: Lexical Resource
Band Requirements
9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical
features; rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
meanings
8.0
- Skillfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be occasional inaccuracies in word
choice and collocation
7.0 - Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy
- Makes some errors in spelling and/or word formation, but they do not impede
communication
6.0 - Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy
- Makes some errors in spelling and/or word formation, but they do not impede
communication
- Uses limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
5.0
- May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some
difficulty for the reader
- Uses limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
4.0
- May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some
difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a very limited range of words and expressions with very limited control of
3.0 word formation and/or spelling
2.0 - Uses an extremely limited range of vocabulary; essentially no control of word formation
and/or spelling
9
- GRA: Grammatical Range & Accuracy
Band Requirements
9.0 - Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy; rare minor errors occur
only as ‘slips’
- Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors
5.0 - Attempts complex sentences but the these tend to be less accurate than simple sentences
- May make frequent grammatical errors and punctuation may be faulty; errors can cause
some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a very limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
4.0
- Some structures are accurate but errors predominate, and punctuation is often faulty
3.0 - Attempts sentences forms but errors in grammar and punctuation predominate and
distort the meaning
- Pie chart
- Bar chart
- Table
- Mixed
- Maps
- Process
4. Important notes:
- No contractions
- No “I” or “you”
- Always paraphrase where possible
- DON’T include any personal opinions
- DON’T try to include everything
- Writing an overview is a must
- Be careful of verb tenses
- Try to write 4 paragraphs
CHAPTER 2
General structure
The 3-paragraph structure can be applied to write a report in the first part of the
IELTS writing section.
It is important to keep in mind that writing an overview (the summary of the main
trends and the most remarkable features) is a must.
What is “the rubric”?
Every chart, graph, table or diagram has a sentence that describes what the info
graphic is about. That sentence is called “the rubric”.
Example:
The line graph below shows the unemployment rate in Vietnam from 1990 to
2010.
CHAPTER 3
How to write all types of IELTS writing task 1
I. Line graph
The graph below shows the consumption of fish and some different kinds of meat in
a European country between 1979 and 2004.
The line graph above illustrates the amount of fish and three other kinds of meat
namely lamb, beef and chicken that people of a European country consumed during
the period of 1979 and 2004. Overall, the consumption of fish showed small degree
of fluctuation; meanwhile, the figure for Lamb, Beef and Chicken changed
dramatically from the year of 1979 to 2004.
Starting with more than 50 grams for each individual per week in 1979, the amount of
Fish slightly declined for the next five years until 1984, followed by fifteen years of
stability. In 1999, this amount decreased a little and then nearly remained unchanged
until 2004.
However, Lamb and Beef consumption with very high starting points of 150 grams
and more than 200 grams per person per week respectively experienced many years
of up and down and had the main tendency to diminish up to the year of 2004. Unlike
these two kinds of food, the consumption of Chicken with a rather lower start than
Lamb tended to soar and reached its peak of more than 250 grams for each person a
week in 2003 and stopped in 2004 with a small decline.
Analysis:
- The introduction
The line graph above illustrates the amount of fish and three other kinds of meat
namely lamb, beef and chicken that people of a European country consumed during
the period of 1979 and 2004. Overall, the consumption of fish showed small degree of
fluctuation; meanwhile, the figure for Lamb, Beef and Chicken changed dramatically
from the year of 1979 to 2004.
Sentence 1: ‘The line graph above illustrates the amount of fish and three other
kinds of meat namely lamb, beef and chicken that people of a European country
consumed during the period of 1979 and 2004’ is the paraphrase of the rubric:
The graph below shows the consumption of fish and some different kinds of
meat in a European country between 1979 and 2004.
Starting with more than 50 grams for each individual per week in 1979, the amount of
Fish slightly declined for the next five years until 1984, followed by fifteen years of
stability. In 1999, this amount decreased a little and then nearly remained unchanged
until 2004.
Describe how the consumption of Fish changed over the given period.
- Detail paragraph 2
However, Lamb and Beef consumption with very high starting points of 150 grams and
more than 200 grams per person per week respectively experienced many years of up
and down and had the main tendency to diminish up to the year of 2004. Unlike these
two kinds of food, the consumption of Chicken with a rather lower start than Lamb
tended to soar and reached its peak of more than 250 grams for each person a week in
2003 and stopped in 2004 with a small decline.
Describe how the consumption of the other types of food over the given
period
Note:
- Don’t give numbers in the summary sentence
- Try not to describe the lines separately. Try to make comparisons where
possible.
- Use past tenses for past years, and use future tenses for future years.
- Don’t use the passive, continuous or perfect tenses.
Language of change:
To plummet/plunge
To peak
To drop sharply
To hit a peak
To fall rapidly
To reach a peak
To decrease dramatically
To decline significantly
To rocket/surge
To drop gradually
To increase sharply 4 To fall slightly
To rise rapidly
To decline minimally
To climb dramatically
6
1 2 7 8
The pie charts compare 5 different types of energy sources, namely coal, gas, petrol,
nuclear and other, of France in 1995 and 2005. It is clear that gas and coal made up
the same and also the biggest proportion of energy production in both examined
years; and remarkably, the amount of energy produced from petro decreased in 2005
in comparison with the increase in the use of nuclear and other sources.
In 1995, both gas and coal occupied approximately 29% of the French total energy
production. After 10 years, there was a slight rise in those figures to just under 31%.
Roughly 29% of the entire amount of energy in France came from petro in 1995.
However, up to the year of 2005, that figure considerably declined be about 10%.
Meanwhile, the use of nuclear and other materials to generate energy became more
popular, from 6.4 % and nearly 5% in 1995 to around 10% and 9% in 2005 respectively.
Analysis
- The introduction
The pie charts compare 5 different types of energy sources, namely coal, gas, petrol,
nuclear and other, of France in 1995 and 2005. It is clear that gas and coal made up the
same and also the biggest proportion of energy production in both examined years;
and remarkably, the amount of energy produced from petro decreased in 2005 in
comparison with the increase in the use of nuclear and other sources.
Sentence 1: ‘The pie charts compare 5 different types of energy sources, namely
coal, gas, petrol, nuclear and other, of France in 1995 and 2005’ is the
paraphrase of the rubric: The charts below show the comparison of some kinds
of energy production of France in 2 years.
Sentence 2: ‘It is clear that gas and coal made up the same and also the biggest
proportion of energy production in both examined years; and remarkably, the
amount of energy produced from petro decreased in 2005 in comparison with
the increase in the use of nuclear and other sources’ is the summary of the most
remarkable features.
- Detail paragraph 1
In 1995, both gas and coal occupied approximately 29% of the French total energy
production. After 10 years, there was a slight rise in those figures to just under 31%.
Roughly 29% of the entire amount of energy in France came from petro in 1995.
However, up to the year of 2005, that figure considerably declined be about 10%.
Meanwhile, the use of nuclear and other materials to generate energy became more
popular, from 6.4 % and nearly 5% in 1995 to around 10% and 9% in 2005 respectively.
The chart below indicates the number of people who have heart attacks every year
in the US.
The chart gives data about the differences in the annual number of men and women
of three age groups who suffer from heart attacks in the USA. It is clear that as
people grow older, the risk for heart attack increases; and it can also be seen from
the chart that heart attacks often happen to men rather than women.
At the age of 29 to 44, 123 thousand female patients have heart attacks, while the
figure for women is only 3 thousand. Remarkably, from 45 to 64 years old, there are
424 thousand men who undergo heart attacks and 136 thousand was the number of
women suffering from the same medical situation.
440 thousand men are recorded to have heart attacks when they reach 65 or higher
while the figure for women of the same age is only 374 thousand.
Analysis
- The introduction
The chart gives data about the differences in the annual number of men and women
of three age groups who suffer from heart attacks in the USA. It is clear that as people
grow older, the risk for heart attack increases; and it can also be seen from the chart
that heart attacks often happen to men rather than women.
Sentence 1: ‘The chart gives data about the differences in the annual number of
men and women of three age groups who suffer from heart attacks in the USA’
is the paraphrase of the rubric: ‘The chart below indicates the number of
people who have heart attacks every year in the US’.
Sentence 2: ‘It is clear that as people grow older, the risk for heart attack
increases; and it can also be seen from the chart that heart attacks often
happen to men rather than women’ is the summary of the most remarkable
features.
- Detail paragraph 1
At the age of 29 to 44, 123 thousand female patients have heart attacks, while the
figure for women is only 3 thousand. Remarkably, from 45 to 64 years old, there are
424 thousand men who undergo heart attacks and 136 thousand was the number of
women suffering from the same medical situation.
Describe some main features
- Detail paragraph 2
440 thousand men are recorded to have heart attacks when they reach their 65 or
higher while the figure for women of the same age is only 374 thousand.
Describe some main features
IV. Table
The table below shows the sales at a small restaurant in a downtown business district
in 2010.
The table gives data about the profit that a restaurant in a business area made from 2
main meals during the second week of October in the year of 2010. It can be seen
that the sales from dinner were much higher than those from lunch during the
examined period.
From Monday to Friday, the profit was the lowest on Thursday, at only 2375$ in
comparison with the highest figure on Wednesday, at nearly 2600$. Meanwhile,
customers spent the least amount of 3623 $ on dinner on Monday compared to the
other days of the week and 4350$ on Friday, which was the highest number in the
category.
At the weekend, the difference in the sales between lunch and dinner was almost
1000 $. While the money gained from lunch on Saturday was only 1950 $, the figure
for dinner was 2900$. Diners coming to the restaurant on Sunday spent 1550 $ and
2450 $ for lunch and dinner respectively.
Analysis
- The introduction
The table gives data about the profit that a restaurant in a business area made from 2
main meals during the second week of October in the year of 2010. It can be seen that
the sales from dinner were much higher than those from lunch during the examined
period.
Sentence 1: ‘The table gives data about the profit that a restaurant in a business
area made from 2 main meals during the second week of October in the year of
2010’ is the paraphrase of the rubric: ‘The table below shows the sales at a
small restaurant in a downtown business district in 2010’
Sentence 2: ‘It can be seen that the sales from dinner were much higher than
those from lunch during the examined period’ is the summary of the most
remarkable feature.
- Detail paragraph 1
From Monday to Friday, the profit was the lowest on Thursday, at only 2375$ in
comparison with the highest figure on Wednesday, at nearly 2600$. Meanwhile,
customers spent the least amount of 3623 $ on dinner on Monday compared to the
other days of the week and 4350$ on Friday, which was the highest number in the
category.
- Detail paragraph 2
At the weekend, the difference in the sales between lunch and dinner was almost 1000
$. While the money gained from lunch on Saturday was only 1950 $, the figure for
dinner was 2900$. Diners coming to the restaurant on Sunday spent 1550 $ and 2450 $
for lunch and dinner respectively.
V. Mixed
Some students find this mixed type (usually 2 different graphs or charts) difficult to
describe. However, this particular type of info graphic is quite easy. The structure of
the report would be as follows:
A map usually show changes of some given place in 2 different periods of time (a
village, a city, a building …)
There are 2 common types of processes: How something is made and life cycle. Both
of these types can be written in the following structure:
Note:
- In paragraphs 2 and 3, describe the process step by step, including the first
and final step/stage mentioned in the summary sentence but in more detail.
- Describe all the steps/stages illustrated in the diagram
- Use language of sequence to describe steps/stages: First/Second, The first
step/stage is…, next, then, after that etc.
- Use the present simple tense.
- When describing how something is made, use the passive voice.
IELTS WRITING
TASK 2
CHAPTER 1
What you need to know about the IELTS writing task 2
1. General introduction
- This is the second part of the writing section. It requires you to produce an
academic essay with the minimum length of 250 words within a suggested
period of 40 minutes.
- There is no obligation of the maximum length.
- This part takes up 2/3 the overall score of the writing section.
2. Assessment criteria
An IELTS essay is marked in accordance with 4 different criteria, each of which shares
an equal proportion in the overall band score (25% each)
TR CC
Task Response (25%) Coherence & Cohesion (25%)
This criterion assesses your answer to the - Coherence means that your essay is easy
question mentioned in the topic. The examiner to read and understand, which goes with
will check your response in the introduction, handwriting and language used in the
relevant ideas and supporting details essay.
(including examples and explanations) in the - Cohesion means your essay stays on-topic
body. Also of importance is the length of the and does not provide any irrelevant and
essay. redundant ideas or details.
LR GRA
Lexical Resource (25%) Grammatical Range & Accuracy (25%)
This criterion assesses how effectively and This criterion assesses your flexibility and
accurately you can use your vocabulary to accuracy in using grammatical structures.
develop your ideas. Big words and phrases
might lead to your essay becoming forced and
unnatural.
Band Requirements
9.0 - Present a fully developed position in answer to the question with relevant, fully extended
and well supported ideas.
8.0 - Presents a well-developed response to the question with relevant, extended and
supported ideas.
7.0 - Presents, extends and supports main ideas, but there may be a tendency to
overgeneralize and/or supporting ideas may lack focus
- Addresses all parts of the task although some parts may be more fully covered than others
6.0 - Presents a relevant position although the conclusions may become unclear or repetitive
- Addresses the task only partially; the format may be inappropriate in places
- Expresses a position but the development is not always clear and there may be no
5.0 conclusions drawn
- Presents some main ideas but these are limited and not sufficiently developed; there may
be irrelevant detail
- Responds to the task only in a minimal way or the answer is tangential; the format may be
inappropriate
- Presents some main ideas but these are difficult to identify and may be repetitive,
irrelevant or not well supported
Band Requirements
- Uses a range of cohesive devices appropriately although there may be some under-/over-
7.0
use
- Arranges information and ideas coherently and there is a clear overall progression
- uses cohesive devices effectively, but cohesion within and/or between sentences may be
- Presents information with some organization but there may be a lack of overall
progression
- Presents information and ideas but these are not arranged coherently and there is no clear
progression in the response
4.0
- Uses some basic cohesive devices but these may be inaccurate or repetitive
Band Requirements
9.0 - Uses a wide range of vocabulary with very natural and sophisticated control of lexical
features; rare minor errors occur only as ‘slips’
- Uses a wide range of vocabulary fluently and flexibly to convey precise meanings
8.0 - Skillfully uses uncommon lexical items but there may be occasional inaccuracies in word
choice and collocation
- May produce occasional errors in word choice, spelling and/or word formation
6.0 - Attempts to use less common vocabulary but with some inaccuracy
- Makes some errors in spelling and/or word formation, but they do not impede
communication
- Uses limited range of vocabulary, but this is minimally adequate for the task
5.0
- May make noticeable errors in spelling and/or word formation that may cause some
difficulty for the reader
- Uses only basic vocabulary which may be used repetitively or which may be inappropriate
for the task
4.0
- Has limited control of word formation and/or spelling; errors may cause strain for the
reader
- Uses only a very limited range of words and expressions with very limited control of word
3.0 formation and/or spelling
2.0 - Uses an extremely limited range of vocabulary; essentially no control of word formation
and/or spelling
Band Requirements
- Uses a wide range of structures with full flexibility and accuracy; rare minor errors occur
9.0
only as ‘slips’
- Has good control of grammar and punctuation but may make a few errors
- Attempts complex sentences but the these tend to be less accurate than simple sentences
5.0
- May make frequent grammatical errors and punctuation may be faulty; errors can cause
some difficulty for the reader
- Uses only a very limited range of structures with only rare use of subordinate clauses
4.0
- Some structures are accurate but errors predominate, and punctuation is often faulty
- Attempts sentences forms but errors in grammar and punctuation predominate and
3.0
distort the meaning
In many cases, you are asked to give your opinion in your essay. However, you will
lose marks if you present your personal point of view in an essay that does not
require an opinion.
Let’s take a look at some possible questions that might appear in the task:
And the following questions are those that DO NOT require personal views.
Brainstorming skills: The ability to come up with good ideas and to organize
those ideas logically within the paragraph
Step 1
Step 2
From the example, think about what's going to happen and form some
ideas as well as explanations
Step 3
Choose some ideas that are easiest to write. After the ideas are final,
form your opinion
Let’s take a look at this topic:
It is more important for schoolchildren to learn about local history than world history.
of a specific example of - Local history: the Vietnam War, the fight against the North
local history and world Empire, how making Chung cake became a tradition during Tet
holiday
history.
- World history: The world war, the feminism protest, foreign
cultures
- The Vietnam War, the fight against the North Empire ->
Schoolchildren will be prouder of their country -> patriotism.
STEP 3: Forming an For me, it is easier to write about local history with the ideas
that I have noted down earlier. Therefore, my opinion would be
opinion
“I completely agree that learning about local history is more
important.”
This is what a real outline of an IELTS essay would look like:
• The Vietnam War, the fight against the • The world war, the feminism protest
North Empire
• Different aspects of the world ->
• Children will take pride in their history become more well-rounded citizens
Under the real test condition, you only need to write down the underlined phrases,
the rest is what you think during the brainstorming process.
Paraphrasing skills: The ability to express the same idea in different words,
sentences and structures. There is no need for you to replace all the words and
phrases in the original sentence.
Example:
Both governments and individuals should be responsible for protecting wild
animals as human activities are destroying their habitats.
- Tip 2: Word forms (Usually nouns -> verbs and verbs -> nouns)
Both governments and individuals should be responsible for protecting wild
animals
Both governments and individuals should take responsibility for the protection
of wild animals.
When combining these tips, you have the final paraphrased sentence as follows
(without using any synonyms)
Sentence building skills: The ability to construct complex, yet clear sentences.
A good and informative sentence is created by a complex structure, vocabulary
and specific details.
Example:
Sentence 2: In many big cities, traffic congestion remains one of the biggest
concerns among people.
In this sentence, the information is given more specifically (in big cities)
Sentence 3: In many major cities like Hanoi, people suffer from several severe
consequences of traffic congestion caused by a high volume of transport and
poorly executed construction plans.
This sentence is written in a complex style, yet an understandable message is still
reached. The information is given in a very SPECIFIC way with a flexible use of
vocabulary.
(1) In my opinion, playing video games (1) In my opinion, playing video games
helps people relax after their hard- is a useful tool for people to relax
working hours. (2) In the modern after hard-working hours. (2) In the
time, people usually suffer from modern time, people usually suffer
stress. (3) It is because they have to from stress because they have to work
work and study all the time. (4) For and study all the time. (3) Especially
example, students in many countries students in many countries around
around the world have to go to school the world, along with constant
5 to 6 days a week. (5) In addition, examinations, the time they spend at
they have to take many kinds of school is at least 5 days a week, which
examinations during their semesters. leads to a huge amount of stress. (4)
(6) Therefore, the amount of stress Playing video games, such as Flappy
from studying is very huge. (7) Playing Bird or Mario, is a good way of
video games is a good way of entertainment, and students will have
entertainment, and students will have time to relax and enjoy themselves.
time to relax and enjoy themselves. (5) In conclusion, I believe video
(8) In conclusion, I believe video games are very entertaining to
games are very entertaining to players.
players.
(1)In my opinion, playing video games is among the most powerful tools of
relaxation for hard-working individuals. (2) In the modern time, the daily
amount of stress people have to suffer from is enormous, which emphasizes
the need for recreation. (3) Students, for example, spend almost all of their
time at school attending classes, not to mention the excessive load of
assignments to finish at home and constant examinations. (4) Therefore,
video games, such as Flappy Bird or Mario, act as an effective way of
entertainment to alleviate studying pressure. (5) In conclusion, I suppose
that players can enjoy themselves through the means of video games.
In this final paragraph, grammar rules and sentence structures are used accurately
and flexibly.
Along with constant examinations, the time they spend at school is at least 5 days a
week, which leads to a huge amount of stress
To spend almost all of their time at school attending classes, not to mention
the excessive load of assignments to finish at home and constant examinations
To be a good way of entertainment, and students will have time to relax and enjoy
themselves
Huge
Enormous
Relaxation
Recreation
The huge amount of
The excessive load of
To be a good way
To act as an effective way
The second sentence is an extended example of the first sentence and you
can use “which” to connect the first two sentences with the last one as
follows:
Especially students in many countries around the world, along with constant
examinations, the time they spend at school is at least 5 days a week, WHICH
leads to a huge amount of stress.
- Giving an example
Playing video games is a good way of entertainment, and students will have
time to relax and enjoy themselves.
You can extend this sentence by giving specific examples of video games:
Playing video games, such as Flappy Bird or Mario, is a good way of
entertainment, and students will have time to relax and enjoy themselves.
- Using clauses of results
In the modern time, the daily amount of stress people have to suffer from is
enormous.
To extend this sentence, you can use clauses of results. In this case, the
result of people suffering from stress is their demand for leisure. So the
sentence can be rewritten as follows:
In the modern time, the daily amount of stress people have to suffer from is
enormous, which emphasizes the need for recreation.
These are the two requirements of a good introduction. For each requirement, you
only need 1 sentence.
The introduction is approximately 35-50 words long. It is unnecessary for you to write
a long introduction because it is the body that you need to focus on.
Example:
Topic: The Internet has caused people to be isolated from their real lives. Do you agree
or disagree?
Model answer
It is generally believed by many people that the Internet is the root of people’s
seclusion from their society (GIVING BACKGROUND INFORMATION). From my
perspective, this idea is completely flawed owing to the benefits in terms of
communication and knowledge acquisition that the Internet offers (GIVING A CLEAR
ANSWER).
The second sentence of my introduction is the thesis statement which is very direct
and clear: “From my perspective, this idea is completely flawed”. You do not need
complex structure or advanced vocabulary to write the thesis because it might cause
confusion to the examiner. At the beginning, I used a phrase: “From my perspective”
as a linker to signal my opinion, you can use a lot of other words and phrases to
express your opinion. It only plays a role of telling the examiner that you are going to
present your opinion, so it does not matter what words or phrases you use. Note that I
also added an outline for my essay: “owing to the benefits in terms of communication
and knowledge acquisition that the Internet offers”. I listed my 2 main ideas using a
parallel structure: “communication” and “knowledge acquisition”, very general, do not
provide any specific details in the outline. Remember that an outline is only optional.
In order to answer those questions, a body paragraph should include 3 key features
(the P.E.E rule) in correlation with the 3 questions:
On writing the body, keep asking yourself the question “why” in order to produce an
in-depth analysis to support the essay.
Topic: The Internet has caused people to be isolated from their real lives. Do you agree
or disagree?
Model answer
Firstly, I would argue that the Internet is one of the most powerful facilitators in
communication (POINT). At the moment, numerous websites such as Facebook or
Yahoo offer much faster and more convenient services for users to keep in touch with
their friends and relatives regardless of geographic distance (SPECIFIC EXAMPLE).
These websites create an online network which connects everyone within their users’
social circle and enables them to send instant messages or to make video calls in a few
seconds no matter where they are. People, therefore, can enjoy both the convenience
and the swiftness that those services provide (EXPLANATION).
Secondly, I believe the Internet has empowered people to acquire more knowledge
about their society than ever before (POINT). As a matter of fact, it is able to bring
every aspect of life to people, which I think is valuable because people will have a
closer look at how their society really is (EXPLANATION). Latest news about sports,
education or criminals for example is updated constantly in many online sources that
are open to everyone (SPECIFIC EXAMPLE). This easy accessibility equips people with
sufficient information, in other words, they are more aware of the problems lying
within their society (EXPLANATION).
*Writing tip: To begin each paragraph, just go for a simple linker. More complicated
transitional words are unnecessary and you will not get more marks.
I always start my paragraph with a simple linking word (firstly, secondly) and a
short and clear topic sentence which presents very general information about
what I am going to write in the paragraph: “Firstly, I would argue that the
Internet is one of the most powerful facilitators in communication” and
“Secondly, I believe the Internet has empowered people to acquire more
knowledge about their society than ever before”.
Take a look at my first paragraph. After my topic sentence I gave an example
of the two online websites to support my point: “At the moment, numerous
websites such as Facebook or Yahoo offer much faster and more convenient
services for users to keep in touch with their friends and relatives regardless of
geographic distance”. It is important that your examples are specific. After
that I explain how these 2 websites facilitate communication between people,
which would prove my point that the Internet helps people to keep in touch
conveniently with others.
And the second paragraph, I did not provide any detailed examples. Instead, I
analyzed and developed the topic sentence to convince the examiner of my
point of view.
A conclusion should only be 1-2 sentences long. You can paraphrase your thesis
statement either with or without the outline (summary).
Take a look at my sample for the topic about the Internet above:
In conclusion, as the two analyzed reasons above, I strongly disagree with the idea
that Internet users are drifting away from their lives because of the online service.
(THE RESTATEMENT)
The Internet has caused people to be isolated from their real lives.
Answer
It is generally believed by many people that the Internet is the root of people’s seclusion
from their society. From my perspective, this idea is completely flawed owing to the
benefits in terms of communication and knowledge acquisition that the Internet offers.
Firstly, I would argue that the Internet is one of the most powerful facilitators in
communication. At the moment, numerous websites such as Facebook or Yahoo offer much
faster and more convenient services for users to keep in touch with their friends and
relatives regardless of geographic distance. These websites create an online network which
connects everyone within their users’ social circle and enables them to send instant
messages or to make video calls in a few seconds no matter where they are. People,
therefore, can enjoy both the convenience and the swiftness that those services provide.
Secondly, I believe the Internet has empowered people to acquire more knowledge about
their society than ever before. As a matter of fact, it is able to bring every aspect of life to
people, which I think is valuable because people will have a closer look at how their society
really is. Latest news about sports, education or criminals for example is updated constantly
in many online sources that are open to everyone. This easy accessibility equips people with
sufficient information, in other words, they are more aware of the problems lying within
their society.
In conclusion, as the two analyzed reasons above, I strongly disagree with the idea that
Internet users are drifting away from their lives because of the online service.
(262 words)
CHAPTER 4
How to write all types of IELTS writing task 2
I. Opinion essay
General information
An opinion essay is a formal academic essay which requires you to state
your opinion (usually “agree or disagree”) on a given topic.
You need to provide reasons and supporting details to convince the
examiner of your answer.
There are 2 common approaches to write an opinion essay: 1-sided and
balanced.
One-sided approach
A one-sided essay is an essay where your opinion is completely inclined to only
one side of the argument, which means you either completely agree or
completely disagree with the issue given in the topic.
Always give 2 reasons to support your opinion, each of which must be analyzed
and supported by specific details in each of the two paragraphs in the body.
There are 2 places where you have to give your opinion very clearly and directly:
the thesis statement in the introduction and the restatement in the conclusion.
The introduction:
Sentence 1: Paraphrase the background information given in the topic
Sentence 2: State whether you completely agree or completely disagree with
the issue.
The body:
The first paragraph:
Sentence 1: The topic sentence (your 1st idea)
Sentence 2-5/6: Give SPECIFIC examples or explanations to support the idea
The second paragraph:
Sentence 1: The topic sentence (your 2nd idea)
Sentence 2-5/6: Give SPECIFIC examples or explanations to support the idea
The conclusion:
Restate your opinion that completely agree or completely disagree with the issue
given in the topic.
Let’s take a look again at my essay about the Internet:
Topic: The Internet has caused people to be isolated from their real lives. Do you agree
or disagree?
Agree Disagree
- Highly addictive - A powerful means of communication
+ Appealing apps + Facebook & Yahoo
+ People enjoy making online + Long distance messaging & calling
friends -> bring people together
-> forget their real lives - Expand social circles
- Some people prefer the virtual world + Make friends easily
+ The find tranquility in something - Bring knowledge to people
not real + Many sources of infor
+ They can freely express -> know more about society
themselves
*Writing tip: Spend more time planning your essay, a good plan equals a good essay (5-7
minutes for brainstorming). When you are brainstorming, find as many ideas as possible for
both sides, after that you can choose 2 ideas that you think are the easiest to write. Always
think of supporting details and examples to write in your body during your planning time.
I have listed a few ideas of both sides, for me the “against” side seems easier to write
so I will write an essay that DISAGREES with the given statement. Out of the 3 ideas I
presented above, I would choose the first and the third one to write which are: “a
powerful means of communication” and “bring knowledge to people”. Remember,
you don’t need to include everything in your essay, just pick 2 ideas and some typical
supporting details.
It is generally believed by many people that the Internet is the root of people’s
seclusion from their society. From my perspective, this idea is completely flawed
owing to the benefits in terms of communication and knowledge acquisition that
the Internet offers. => This is my opinion about the issue, I wrote “This idea is
completely flawed”, which means “I completely disagree with the idea”. This is a very
short, clear and direct answer.
Firstly, I would argue that the Internet is one of the most powerful facilitators in
communication. At the moment, numerous websites such as Facebook or Yahoo
offer much faster and more convenient services for users to keep in touch with their
friends and relatives regardless of geographic distance. These websites create an
online network which connects everyone within their users’ social circle and enables
them to send instant messages or to make video calls in a few seconds no matter
where they are. People, therefore, can enjoy both the convenience and the swiftness
that those services provide. => My first body paragraph only developed the first
reason.
Secondly, I believe the Internet has empowered people to acquire more knowledge
about their society than ever before. As a matter of fact, it is able to bring every
aspect of life to people, which I think is valuable because people will have a closer
look at how their society really is. Latest news about sports, education or criminals
for example is updated constantly in many online sources that are open to everyone.
This easy accessibility equips people with sufficient information, in other words, they
are more aware of the problems lying within their society.=> My second body
paragraph only developed the second reason.
In conclusion, as the two analyzed reasons above, I strongly disagree with the idea
that Internet users are drifting away from their lives because of the online service.
=> I also restate my opinion here in the conclusion.
Always remember that you have to state your opinion in the thesis and
in the conclusion. Missing one of the two would cost some mark
penalties.
The introduction:
The body:
The conclusion:
The restatement
Look at the example below
Topic: Trial marriage is becoming more and more popular among college students.
Many people believe this trend has a negative impact on students’ lives.
Topic: Trial marriage is becoming more and more popular among college students.
Many people believe this trend has a negative impact on students’ lives.
Sample
Premature life with partners has gained enormous popularity as students reach their
adulthood. In my opinion, cohabitation is more of a deleterious impact on their life.
There are several severe problems that this living arrangement would cause. The first and also
the biggest concern relates to the possibility of unexpected pregnancy. If the couple who have
this premarital experience is poorly equipped with sufficient knowledge about a safe sexual life,
the chance of the female partner’s being pregnant might be relatively high. Another drawback
is the deterioration in social interactions. As college couples spend almost all their time to take
care of their partners because they live in the same place, they hardly have time to hang out
with their friends or look for a job. Therefore, their social relationships and skills would suffer.
Advocates of this idea might think that living together during early age of adulthood acts as a
test of the couple’s compatibility, hence avoiding the risk of future divorce. They also think that
the couple who choose this premarital relationship can support each other with their studies.
However, I think those thoughts are rather ill-founded as the fact might be the opposite. Going
through a long intimate relationship like trial marriage, young couples, paradoxically, might be
less understanding and sympathetic, which might lead to the early end of their marriage.
Furthermore, reality has shown that many university students become more neglectful of their
studies while living under the same roof with their partner on account of the most of their time
devoted to each other.
In conclusion, despite the existence of some opinions in favor of this early decision, I do
believe students’ lives would be adversely affected.
(282 words)
Essay analysis:
The introduction:
- The first sentence is the paraphrase of the topic which is about cohabitation
among college students
- The second sentence is the thesis statement, short and direct as usual
The body:
The conclusion:
Restate my opinion.
Useful vocabulary & expressions:
1. Premature life with partners: Cuộc sống sớm với bạn đời
5. To have a deleterious impact on sth: Có ảnh hưởng nguy hại tới cái gì
You need to analyze both sides of the issue and state which side you are in favor
of at the same time.
The first body paragraph is used to talk about the weaker side and the stronger
side (the side that you are inclined to) is presented in the second body paragraph.
There are 3 places where you need to give you opinion: the thesis statement, the
topic sentence of the second body paragraph and the restatement.
Therefore, your balanced essays would be structured as follows:
The introduction
Sentence 1: Paraphrase the background information given in the topic
Sentence 2: State your balanced opinion (you accept the opposing views,
but your points are stronger)
The body
The first paragraph: The weaker argument (2 ideas)
Sentence 1: The topic sentence: introduce the opposing views
Sentence 2-5/6: Give SPECIFIC examples and explanations to support
those opposing views
The second paragraph: The stronger argument (2 ideas)
Sentence 1: The topic sentence: introduce your favorable side of the
argument
Sentence 2-5/6: Give SPECIFIC examples and explanations to support
your ideas
The conclusion
The restatement: restate your balanced opinion
Let’s take a look at my essay about the Internet, written in a more balanced way:
Topic: It is thought by many people that the Internet has caused people to become
more isolated from society. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Now, I did the brainstorming for this topic above, let’s take a look again at my sketch:
Agree Disagree
- Highly addictive - A powerful means of communication
+ Appealing apps + Facebook & Yahoo
+ People enjoy making online + Long distance messaging & calling
friends -> bring people together
-> forget their real lives - Expand social circles
- Some people prefer the virtual + Make friends easily
world - Bring knowledge to people
+ The find tranquility in + Many sources of infor
something not real -> know more about society
+ They can freely express
themselves
This is a balanced essay so I have to write about both sides, using the ideas I listed
here, let’s see how I did it!
Answer
The recent upsurge in the use of the Internet has provoked critical controversy over
the possible damage it may inflict upon its users’ personal lives. In my opinion,
despite several benefits as a modern communication facilitator, the Internet is truly
the root of people’s drifting away from their society.
On the one hand, the Internet has undoubtedly been offering a tremendous
assistance to its users in terms of communication. To start with, the Internet is the
most powerful tool in keeping in touch with friends or family members regardless of
geographic distance. Compared to the past when almost all means of long distant
communication was by writing letters or make phone calls, people now can save time
and money with the help of numerous social websites like Facebook or Instagram.
Furthermore, people can make new friends with ease through the online network
provided by the Internet service, which not only expands their circle of social
acquaintances but brings people closer together as well.
On the other hand, beneficial as it is, the Internet, from my standpoint, still presents
more detrimental consequences concerning with users’ lives. The Internet, initially,
is highly addictive and people sometimes may abuse the online service. In particular,
youngsters are often tempted by the very idea of being befriended on the online
space such as Facebook or Yahoo, hence their negligence on real relationships.
Furthermore, those people find tranquility by freely expressing themselves in their
virtual world and no longer feel the need for real life interactions anymore.
In conclusion, although the positive impacts the Internet has made upon society
across communication spectrum, I am still convinced that people are being
separated from their communities.
The first body paragraph I always write about the weaker side of the
argument with 2 reasons. The second body paragraph I use to analyze
the side I am in favor of, also with 2 reasons. It is important that you
provide 2 reasons for each side of the argument, whether it is the
weaker or the stronger one.
One-sided v.s Balanced
Is it always possible to write a balanced essay?
The answer is no! Sometimes it would be inappropriate to say that you partly agree
or disagree with the topic. In some certain cases, you can still write about both sides,
but your opinion can only be “agree” or “disagree”.
For example:
Prison is the common way in most countries to solve the problem of crime. However, a
more effective solution is to provide people a better education.
There are a few options you can take to write about this topic:
1: You think education is more effective -> you agree with the topic
2: You think education is less effective -> you disagree with the topic
3: You think education and prison are equally effective -> you disagree with the topic
There is no proper way to write a balanced essay in this case. But still, you can write
about both prison and education in your body if you disagree with the topic because
you think prison and education are equally effective.
Let’s see how it is done:
On the one hand, the reasons why prisons are of indispensable necessity for social
security are varied. They are the place to keep people who have broken the law
contained, ensuring the safety of other citizens. Especially, dangerous criminals such as
murderers or rapists have to be imprisoned for their heinous actions. Furthermore,
severe prison sentences act as a deterrent against crimes. Knowing there might be a
chance of getting caught and condemned to jail, which also means losing freedom and
living a miserable life in a cell, ones who are having the intention of committing
illegalities would reconsider going down the path.
On the other hand, education serves as a remedy for the origin of crimes. Education
contributes greatly to heighten people’s intellect and to form a civilized society. With
access to better educational services, citizens would be well-informed about the
damage that committing crimes would cause to their community and themselves, which
eventually leads to the decline in crime rates. Additionally, the possession of certain
qualifications through fundamental education like vocational training could secure a
person’s stable life, which would dispel any ideas of committing crimes.
(280 words)
Useful vocabulary & expressions:
There are many ways to write a discussion essay; in this book I will only
show you one possible approach using the 4-paragraph format.
In a discussion essay using the 4-paragraph format, the term “give your
opinion” can be interpreted as “which side of the argument do you
agree with?”. Therefore, the way to write this particular type of essay is
rather similar to that of a balanced opinion essay. The only difference is
the language used in each type, which will be shown later on.
Let’s see the complete structure of a discussion essay:
The introduction
Sentence 1: Paraphrase the background information given in the topic
Sentence 2: State your opinion (which side you are inclined to)
The body
The first paragraph: the first side of the argument
Sentence 1: the topic sentence
Sentence 2-5/6: Give 2 reasons and use SPECIFIC examples and
explanations to support those reasons
The second paragraph: Your favorable side of the argument
Sentence 1: the topic sentence (restate your opinion here)
Sentence 2-5/6: give 2 reasons and use SPECIFIC examples and
explanations to support those reasons
The conclusion
Topic: These days there are a lot of TV channels available to view. Some people think it
is good to have a range of options but others argue that it affects the quality of
programs.
The task requires a discussion about both sides of the argument, so we need to
sketch down some ideas for each side.
The nonstop progress of the modern TV industry has provided people with
permanent access to numerous choices of channels, depending on viewers’ interests.
This broad availability instigates many public debates over how the number of TV
programs and their quality interrelate. From my perspective, it is true that more and
more channels have been launched recently with deteriorating quality in terms of
both display and content.
On the one hand, the reasons why people enjoy more choices on TV are varied.
Firstly, people believe the upsurge in the number of programs can satisfy viewers of
different preferences. Compared to the limitation of TV content in the past,
contemporary technology has unfolded the possibility to bring every aspect of life
such as sports, science and education to people. Secondly, people now can have a
more integral approach upon not only their society but also other countries around
the world through TV telecasts. In fact, both domestic and foreign issues are updated
daily on various sources, which equips viewers with more intimate perception on
global matters.
On the other hand, I believe as the number of TV channels grows, their quality
suffers in comparison. In fact, people are being bombarded with all kinds of sources
of information. Unfortunately, many publishers are trying to increase their
viewership which generates greater profit by deliberately producing programs with
low-quality interface or even fraudulent content. This, coupled with the acceleration
in numbers, can engender bewilderment amongst viewers since they will have a
difficult time differentiating which channels they can trust from the deceiving ones.
In conclusion, although it is undeniable that the wider range of selections has some
certain benefits to people, I think the followed shortcomings associated with their
quality are the worrying topic that people should pay heed to.
As we see, there are 3 different places where I give my opinion: the thesis
statement, the topic sentence of the second body paragraph and the
restatement. When the task asks for your opinion, just choose one side of the
argument like a balanced opinion essay and state your opinion at the same
places as you do with a balanced opinion essay. But remember, these are the
only 3 sentences that you can write what you think, even in the 2nd body
paragraph whose topic sentence is where you give your opinion, you have to
discuss others’ opinion and you agree with them. Always remember, the
discussion is about what OTHER PEOPLE THINK OF THE GIVEN ISSUE, NOT
WHAT YOU THINK. You cannot write “I think”, “I believe” etc in any other
sentences rather than the 3 places I just showed you.
The first paragraph is about the first side of the argument, and the second
one – the one you agree with- is about the other side, it is recommended that
you find 2 ideas for each side.
* IMPORTANT NOTE: a discussion essay v.s a balanced opinion essay
A lot of people have a difficult time differentiating between these 2 particular types
of essay since both of them require students to present 2 sides of the given
argument with the same way of writing. However, the difference is that in a balanced
opinion essay, you have to write about WHAT YOU THINK, whereas, in a discussion
essay you have to write about WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK. This means there is a
difference in the proper language you can use in each type.
- You can use phrases to express your own - You can use the typical language for a discussion
opinion like “I think”, “I believe”, “I agree” … to express other people’s opinion such as
wherever you want. “people think”, “people believe”, “it is
believed/considered”…
- You can give examples of your own - You can NOT give examples of your own
knowledge or experiences such as your knowledge or experiences.
family, your friends or a particular event you
participated in to support your ideas
Let’s see an example of a part of a body paragraph to see the difference between
these types:
Some people believe that video games Some people believe that video games
are bad, while others think playing these are bad, while others think playing
games is beneficial. these games is beneficial.
On the one hand, I agree that video On the one hand, it is agreed that
games have some undeniable benefits. video games have some undeniable
Firstly, I would argue that playing video benefits. Firstly, many people argue
games is a way to relax after hard- that playing video games is a way to
working hours. For example, my brother relax after hard-working hours. For
has to go to school on every weekday example, many students have to go to
and to do a lot of assignments at home, school on every weekday and to do a
which is very stressful. Therefore, lot of assignments at home, which is
playing video games during his free time very stressful. Therefore, playing video
can help reduce the stress from his games during their free time can help
studies. reduce the stress from their studies.
III. Advantage & Disadvantage essays
General information
Divide your body into 2 separate paragraphs, each of which develops either the
advantages or disadvantages of the given issue.
The introduction
The body
The conclusion
Notes: If the task asks for your opinion or your favorable side (advantages or disadvantages),
write your essay just like a discussion essay.
Taking a gap year before attending college has recently gained enormous popularity
amongst high school graduates. My essay below will analyze both the benefits and the
drawbacks of the phenomenon.
Having a year off after high school graduation is advantageous in some certain aspects.
First, students can utilize this period of time to travel to acquire knowledge of various
fields such as foreign languages and cultures. This would be more difficult during their
years at university owing to their intense studying schedules. Second, many high school
graduates benefit from taking a temporary job before starting their college life. Due to
the inadequate provision of career orientation in high school, sparing another 12 months
looking for a job or signing up for a vocational course is considered a remedy for
students to figure out their future path.
From an opposite angle, the disadvantages of a gap year before college are varied.
Initially, compared to the students having a year off, those who go straight to university
after high school are more likely to have a permanent job early. They finish their
academic studies one year in advance, hence better opportunities to get a job with
stable incomes. More importantly, high school seniors might lose their studying habits
as well as discipline. In other words, one year spent on travelling or working can
demotivate them from following tertiary education.
In conclusion, despite some benefits in terms of traveling and working, taking a year off
before college life might both jeopardize students’ occupational opportunities and
result in studying discouragement. (257 words)
1. A gap year: Một năm cách giữa trung học và đại học
2. To gain enormous popularity amongst high school gradutates: Có được sự
yêu thích lớn từ các học sinh trung học đã tốt nghiệp
3. To acquire knowledge of sth: Lấy kiến thức về cái gì
4. A temporary job: Nghề tạm thời
5. Career orientation: Định hướng nghề nghiệp
6. Vocationl course: Khóa học
7. A permanent job: Nghề lâu dài
8. Stable incomes: Thu nhập ổn định
9. Studying habits: Thói quen học tập
10. Discipline: Kỷ luật
11. Demotivate: Làm nản lòng
12. Tertiary education: Giáo dục đại học
WITH PERSONAL OPINION
Topic: Some people regard video games as harmless fun, or even as a useful
educational tool. Others, however, believe that videos games are having an adverse
effect on the people who play them.
Model answer
There have been endless arguments over the possible impact of video games upon
players. Much as the dispute in favor of the significance of the advantages of those
games is legitimate, personally I believe they are still outweighed by the
disadvantages.
On the one hand, some certain benefits of video games are undeniable. Firstly, they
are functioning as a source of harmless entertainment. In modern time, daily
performances always go along with a huge amount of stress from studying and
working, hence the higher demand for relaxation. As a matter of fact, the world is
seeing an increasing number of not only youngsters but also adults who play video
games to alleviate the intensity of their academic studies or hard-working
occupations. Secondly, it is also proved that playing games can enhance logical
thinking and problems solving skills since players are forced to use their brain to
complete the game.
On the other hand, I would argue that those video games present more
disadvantages. Video games are highly addictive, and that players are constantly
given more stages in these games leads to their negligence on other important
activities since the temptation of clearing those stages is sometimes irresistible. If
time is spent excessively on games, players’ daily routine, studying or working for
instance, will suffer. More dangerously, many crime cases have been reported
recently with the motive of getting money to play video games. Especially young
people are more likely to get involved in robbery or even murder as their addiction to
games cannot be sufficed by their current budget.
(280 words)
1. Legitimate: hợp lý
2. Occupation: nghề nghiệp
3. Excessively: quá nhiều
4. Motive: động cơ
Cause & Effect/Solution essays
General information
A causes and Effect/Solution essay is an essay that asks you to discuss the causes and
solutions/effects of a given issue, for example the causes and solutions/effects of
overpopulation. DO NOT give any opinions if you are not asked to.
The body
The conclusion
Topic: Nowadays, children play less with others and this has an impact on their
development.
What are the reasons for this?
Does it have a good or bad effect on children?
Model answer
The decreasing amount of time spent for socialization has become more and more
common among children, which is believed by many to have an influence on their
early development. The causes of this phenomenon are varied, and in my opinion this
is adversely affecting the young generation as a whole.
Two main reasons are identified as children’s present academic pressure and the
appeal of high technology applications. Firstly, children are too occupied with their
current studies along with stress and responsibility. Parents always hope their sons
and daughters to be successful and, in some cases, compel them to overwork, which
may result in the excessive deduction of their time on social interactions. Secondly,
the rapid technological modernization which engenders many attractive sources of
entertainment, videos games and social network like Facebook for example, is
deemed the second root of the phenomenon. Children may get addicted to those
virtual means with ease, hence the negligence on real life relationships
establishment.
This trend, as a matter of fact, is having severe influences on the overall development
of children. In terms of their social life, not only their circle of acquaintances but their
soft skills such as communication and interpersonal skills are highly limited, which
would hinder their future career paths. More importantly, some mental illnesses may
be the cost of their seclusion from other people. That they use their time mostly for
studying purposes renders them unable to leave their desk to associate with others,
leading to a deteriorating sedentary lifestyle or even autism, for instance.
In conclusion, the effects of this trend can be seen as negative concerning with
children’s social lives deterioration and other diseases. Understanding that the
origins of the problem mainly come from studying strain and tempting modern
applications, parents should take immediate remedial steps to resolve such
problems.
(303 words)
Useful expressions:
The introduction
The body
The conclusion
Topic: There are many different types of music in the world today.
Is the traditional music of a country more important than the international music that
is heard everywhere nowadays?
Model answer
Other than writing and painting, music is another prevalent form of art, using the
artistic rhythm of sounds. Music is of great essence to us for various reasons, and I
believe traditional music is more important than the common international music.
Music teaches us many things about life. As children, we live in the sweet lullabies
about family that our mothers sing to us at night until we fall asleep. Later in life, we
are able to understand more profoundly about love and passion and other virtues
through many songs. Music is also for relaxation because we listen to music when we
are stressful or sad. Its soothing melodies can drive away all the pressure and
frustration that we have to face every day. And for many people, music is a form of
escapism from the suffocation of their lives since they can find serenity in music.
(282 words)
Useful words:
No! The examiner is NOT looking for ideas that are interesting or unique. In order to get a
high score, you need ideas that are logical and, most importantly, you can support them
easily. The examiner will only look at how convincing your ideas are and how you analyze
them.
No! An essay longer than 300 words sometimes may result in losing marks. Keep your essay
concise and clear! You should write about 260-280 words on average.
3: My teacher said that the introduction is the most important part in an essay.
Therefore, it is compulsory that I have to write an interesting introduction to
intrigue the examiner by writing a hook. Is that true?
No! Every part of an essay is important, but the most important one should be the body
where you present your points. You do not need a hook in your introduction because it is
really difficult to write a hook, it would take away a lot of time for the body. Besides, the
examiner will not look at how interesting your introduction is, so writing a hook would be
unnecessary.
4: Is it true that I always need to write a balanced essay to get a high score?
No! It is indeed recommended candidates with advanced writing skills write a balanced
essay. But it does not mean that writing a one-sided essay would lead to a low mark. If you
write a one-sided essay logically and coherently, you are likely to get a good score.
No! You do not need a concluding sentence because a conclusion paragraph is enough to
round off an essay.
6: Is grammar important?
Personally I do not like templates, because it is not your language. And chances are other
candidates may use those templates too, the examiner will not appreciate those papers
using the same language.
In my opinion there are no advanced or beginner’s linking devices. Which linkers you use do
not reflect your level of writing, therefore I recommend you focus on the coherence of your
ideas and supporting details rather than some linking words.
10: Should I write every day? How fast can I improve if I write a lot of essays every
week?
From my experience, you do not need to do writing every day. I usually recommend my
students write about 2-3 essays a week and focus more on the quality of their work.
It does not matter how many essays you write a week. What really matters is how intensive
and how focused you are when you do your writing exercises. You can write 100 essays
before the test but can receive a lower score than the person who only write 10 essays but
with greater intensity. What intensity here means is that you can spend 2 days reading and
writing only about 1 topic and produce the best work. Concentrate more on the quality.
CHAPTER 6
IELTS Writing task 2 review - 2016
Band 8 Sample
Answer
It is more important for schoolchildren to Studying the history of their hometown is for sure an
learn about local history than world
indispensable part of school’s curriculum during students’
history.
early education. I believe having thorough insights
To what extent to you agree or disagree? into what happened in the past at one’s locality develops
Useful vocabulary: his patriotism. For example, children of primary and
secondary schools in my village are taught about how their
1.Thorough insights into: Hiểu biết cặn kẽ
về cái gì.
ancestors defended their land against outside intruders and
2.Patriotism: Lòng yêu nước. reclaimed sovereignty. Therefore, those young children
3.Sovereignty: Chủ quyền. would take pride in their origin and treasure the life they
4.Take pride in their origin: Tự hào về have today. Additionally, I think it is not only students’
lòng yêu nước.
privilege but also their responsibility to know about their
5.Traditional values and identity: Những
giá trị truyền thống và con người. own history to understand their hometown’s traditional
6.Well-rounded perspective of life: Một values and identity.
cái nhìn quan điểm toàn diện hơn về
cuộc sống.
7.Historical backgrounds: Bối cảnh lịch From another angle, learning about world history shares
sử. equal importance just as local one. Acquiring knowledge
8.Company culture: Văn hóa doanh
about the world’s past events equips students with a
nghiệp.
more well-rounded perspective of life. Lessons about the
World War or Feminism protest against women’s abuse and
discrimination would help those learners enhance their
understanding about various aspects of the
world. Furthermore, I think that being taught about the
other countries’ historical backgrounds would benefit
young learners in their future career. Students who
accumulate knowledge of this particular field at an early age
would possess a golden selling point to work for foreign
enterprises, especially those who highly value company
culture like Japan.
Answer
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TOPIC: 18-2-2016 On the one hand, the appearance of new devices has
brought certain values to children. First, more choices are
New technologies have changed the way
children spend their free time. now available on computers or any other electrical devices
Do advantages of this outweigh that are connected to the Internet. This would satisfy
disadvantages? children of different preferences for entertainment, such as
Useful vocabulary: watching movies, listening to music or playing games on
online platform. Second, some useful skills and necessary
1.Satisfy children of different preferences qualities can be either initially obtained or horned by playing
for entertainment: Thỏa mãn trẻ em với electronic games. Scientifically, racing games help develop
những sở thích giải trí khác nhau motor skills in later life. Also, creativity and fast reflexes
which are of great use in the future can be enhanced though
2.Develop a passive lifestyle: Phát triển
puzzle or shooting games.
lối sống thụ động
Despite those said advantages, I still believe that the
3.If exposed frequently: Nếu tiếp xúc
downside of the emergence of modern technological
thường xuyên
devices in children’s leisure time is more worrying. The first
4.Exposure to technology could lead to drawback is that children might develop a passive lifestyle
deterioration in health: sự tiếp xúc với and possibly isolate themselves from society. This is because
công nghệ có thể dẫn đến tình trạng sức this way of entertainment is extremely addictive, and
khỏe bị giảm sút
children therefore are likely to spend hours in their room
without any communication with the outside world if
exposed frequently. Furthermore, exposure to technology
could lead to deterioration in health as hours spent on using
computers can cause tremendous harm to eyesight. In fact,
children at school age are suffering from short-sight due to
playing video games or browsing Facebook for a long time.
In conclusion, it seems to me that, regarding children’s
leisure activities, the benefits of newly introduced
technological devices are eclipsed by the disadvantages.
Word count: 272
Band 8 Sample
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Some people choose to have their first There are two main factors leading to the decision
child at an older age. of delaying childbirth. The first one is because people
What are the reasons? Do advantages
have the propensity for prioritizing their careers over
outweigh disadvantages? taking parental roles. Especially in the US and other
developed countries, not only men but also women want to
Useful vocabulary:
stabilize their finance before becoming parents so as to
1.To delay childbirth: Trì hoãn sinh con provide their kids with sufficient living condition for their
2.The propensity for prioritizing their
future development. Another explanation for this is that
careers over taking parental roles: xu
hướng coi trọng nghề nghiệp trước khi many modern individuals have adopted a fear of taking
có con unwanted custody due to the recent alarming rate of
3.Adopted a fear of taking unwanted divorce. It is because premature marriages have become
custody: Có nỗi sợ phải nuôi con không common, which usually goes with many couples’ doubt of
mong muốn sau khi li hôn
4.Marital harmony: Sự hòa thuận trong
their marital harmony, deterring their early desire for raising
hôn nhân a child. There would be, consequently, fewer kids growing
5.The possibility of infertility: Khả năng up without fatherhood or motherhood.
vô sinh
6.The occupational prioritization and the
hesitation over the likelihood of single- However, the drawbacks should not be overlooked. That too
parent responsibility: Sự coi trọng nghề many couples following such a trend might exert adverse
nghiệp và sự đắn đo trước khả năng
phải nhận trách nhiệm của bố/mẹ độc
effects on the population structure, which potentially results
thân in the future aging workforce and hinders social
development in the long term. Additionally, it could both
heighten the possibility of infertility among mothers at their
old age and risk the new-born babies’ mental and physical
health. Down syndrome could be a typical example of the
problems that those kids might have to suffer from.
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Is it a positive or negative development? Certainly, advertising provides details about newly launched
Useful vocabulary: products, which is important for consumers who are still
1. Details about newly launched unaware of such products. In fact, improving quality alone
products: Thông tin chi tiết về những would be less effective if producers failed to commercialize
sản phẩm mới được công bố
their commodities. Furthermore, companies, entrepreneurs
2. Commercialize their commodities:
for example, spend a great deal of money on publicity
Thương mại hóa sản phẩm
3. Publicity materials: Nghĩa là những thứ materials in order to approach prospective customers. This,
giúp cho một sản phẩm mới đươc người in return, generates higher profit and enhances those
khác biết đến (tạm dịch) companies’ competitiveness in the market.
4. Approach prospective customers: Tiếp
cận với khách hàng tiềm năng On the other hand, the surge in quantities of commercials
5. To be bombarded with all kinds of exerts several undesirable impacts on customers. First,
advertisements: Bị “bỏ bom” bởi đủ các
instead of being well-informed about a new line of product,
thể loại quảng cáo
people are being bombarded with all kinds of
6. Information overload: Quá tải thông tin
7. Stimulate people to purchase products advertisements. Those can be either deceptive or annoying;
that are being advertised: Kích thích and such information overload has become a nuisance to
mọi người mua hàng hóa đang được many people, particularly when their favorite telecasts are
quảng cáo.
constantly interrupted by irrelevant promotions. Second,
advertising encourages people to purchase what they do
not really need. Images of celebrities are used in many
extravagant commercials, especially cosmetics, to stimulate
people to purchase products that are being advertised.
However, in reality, most of those products are of little use
to buyers.
Answer
Answer
Đã có rất nhiều học viên (tại ZIM hoặc tự học) đã luyện theo các bài mẫu của ZIM và đạt kết quả cao,
thậm chí có những học viên đặc biệt đã đạt 7.5 – 8.0 Writing. Bạn có thể là người tiếp theo đấy.
2: Some people believe that the government spends too much money on developing
space exploration technology. There are many others financial needs that the
government should address instead.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
3. Some people think children should obey the rules their parents and teachers set
and listen to them, but others think less control will help children to deal with their
future adult life.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion?
4. Some people argue that teaching children of different abilities together benefits all
of them. Others believe that intelligent children should be taught separately and
given special treatment.
Discuss both views and how do you think about it?
5. Many people believe that teachers should take the responsibility for the students
to judge what is right and wrong and behave well, others feel that teachers should
only teach academic subjects.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
7. Many people believe that the world’s most urgent problems can only be solved by
international collaboration.
Do you agree or disagree?
8. Some people believe that some unpaid community service should be a compulsory
part of high school programmes (e.g. working in a charity, improving the relationship
of neighbourhood or teaching sports to children)
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
9. Some people think the best way of reducing crime is to give longer prison
sentences. Others, however, think there are other better ways to reduce crime.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
10. University students always focus on one specialist subject, but some people think
universities should encourage their students to study a range of subjects in addition
to their own subject.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
11. Some people think that robots are very important to human’s future
development. Others think that they are dangerous and have negative effects on
society.
Discuss both opinions and give your personal view.
13. We have entered a throw-away society and fill the environment with rubbish.
What are the causes and what are your solutions?
14. People continue to commit crimes even after being punished for it.
Why do you think this happens?
How can crime be stopped?
15. Some people say that governments should spend money on measures to save
languages that are used by few speakers, while others believe it's a waste of financial
resources.
Discuss both views and give your opinion?
16. The number of people who watch foreign films is much more than people who
watch local films.
Describe the reasons and should the government provide financial support to the
local film industries?
17. Television has had a significant influence on the culture of many societies.
To what extent do you think it has positively or negatively affected cultural
development?
18. Most of the schools are planning to replace sports and exercise classes with more
academic sessions.
What is your opinion on this change?
How will this change affect children’s life in your view?
19. Some people think zoos are cruel and all the zoos should be closed. However,
some people think zoos are useful to protect the rare animals.
Discuss both these views and give your opinion?
20. Many people believe that university students should pay tuition fees in full
themselves, because they gain education for their own benefit and not for the
society.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
21. Detailed description of crimes on newspaper and TV can have bad consequences
on society, so this kind of information should be restricted on media.
To what extent do you agree or disagree with this statement?
22. Some people think planning future is a waste of time and people should focus on
the present.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
23. Some people believe that governments should make investment in building public
libraries in every town, while others think it is a waste of money because we have
access to information via Internet.
Discuss both these views and give your own opinion.
24. Some people think the main benefit of international cooperation is in protection
of the environment, while others think that the main benefit is in the world business.
Discuss both views and give your opinion?
25. Professional workers like doctors, nurses and teachers make a greater
contribution to society and so should be paid more than sports and entertainment
personalities.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
26. Some people think that politicians have the greatest influence on the world.
Other people, however, believe that scientists have the greatest influence.
Discuss both of views and give your opinion.
27. Individual greed and selfishness has been the basis of the modern society. Some
people think that we must return to the older and more traditional values of respect
for the family and the local community in order to create a better world to live in.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
28. The increase in food production owes much to fertilizers and better machinery,
but some people think that it has a negative impact on human health and
community.
To what extent do you agree or disagree?
29. In today's world of advanced science and technology, we still greatly value our
artists such as musicians, painters and writers.
What can arts tell us about life that science and technology cannot?
30. Some people believe that the range of technology available to individuals today is
increasing the gap between the poor people and the rich people, while some others
say this has an opposite effect.
Discuss both views and give your opinion
31. Some countries and individuals try to deal with the problem of animal extinction.
Others think it is more important to deal with problems of human beings.
Discuss both views and give your own opinion.
32. Nowadays many parents are sending their kids abroad to acquire good education.
Discuss the advantages and the disadvantages of this trend.
Give your own opinion.
36. Consumers are faced with increasing numbers of advertisements from competing
companies.
To what extent do you think are consumers influenced by advertisements?
What measures can be taken to protect them.
37. There are an increasing number of anti-social behaviors in recent years; People
generally believe that the society is to blame.
What do you think the causes are and who is responsible for this?
38. Some people claim that public museums and art galleries will not be needed
because people can see historical objects and works of art by using a computer.
Do you agree or disagree with this opinion?
39. Some people think it is necessary to use animals for testing medicines intended
for human use. Others, however, think it is cruel to do that.
Discuss both of these views and give you own opinion.
This book is written in appreciation for the non-stop support from many IELTS
Learners across the country and also as a thank-you gift for those who cannot afford
IELTS offline courses for financial or geographic issues. I do hope that this small gift
would bring great help to my students, friends and people who wish to get a high
score in the IELTS exam.
Thông tin liên hệ
Website: http://zim.vn
Email: cshv@zim.vn
Hà Nội: Tòa Nhà ZIM - 130F Thái Thinh, P. Trung Liệt, Q. Đống Đa, Hà Nội